Keeping Squirrels Out of Bird Feeders

by marianne vest
(lynchburg va)

I had a squirrel that could get into any feeder that I put out (I tried six - some very expensive). I used red pepper FLAKES (the powder can hurt the birds' eyes). I did use a lot, about 1/4 flakes in the mix. The squirrel was so disappointed. He sat on the bird feeder looking confused for about fifteen minutes and never came back as long as I used the flakes. This is an expensive method but is worth it considering what is spent on seed and feeders. You probably do have to keep it up. I have been doing this for about six weeks, and once I figured the squirrel had learned his lesson, I stopped the red pepper. In a few days either that squirrel or another one was back at it, eating the food.